Many people are confused about the differences between an orthodontist vs dentist. Orthodontists and dentists are both doctors who specialize in oral health care. The difference comes in the particular type of care they provide. In short, orthodontists will take care of any problems with the alignment of the teeth while dentists will take care of issues like decay or accidental damage.
Orthodontists and dentists both must complete a four-year degree from a college or university before attending a school of dentistry, from which they will get a doctor’s degree. Orthodontists must also complete a two- to three-year residency program before they can practice on their own. After that, they will usually work in an office that only deals with orthodontics or in a dentistry office with other doctors, some of which practice general dentistry and others specialize in orthodontics.
Sometimes, it can be a bit challenging trying to decide if you need the services of an orthodontist vs dentist. If you have teeth that need to be straightened, our skilled orthodontist can offer you a choice of alignment options. Many people are concerned with the way metal braces appear in the mouth and would rather pick another method. Which other methods are available depends on the condition of your particular teeth. For example, Invisalign® aligners are popular among people who do not want visible braces. They are clear and fit over the teeth in a way that most people will not even notice them. They offer some other advantages as well.
In spite of the advantages of Invisalign®, the aligners are not for everyone. Some people may prefer traditional braces or some variation of them. Others may not be able to go with Invisalign® because their teeth are too crooked for the system to be effective. If you are in this category, you might want to ask our orthodontist about clear or ceramic braces.
If you need some form of oral care but are not sure whether to see an orthodontist vs dentist, the team at the office of Brodie Bowman, DMD can offer you assistance. Our aim is to truly help you, so we will simply refer you to the right office if your needs are outside our realm of care. For your convenience, we have offices in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more!